Jiao Zi Making or, Dumpling Making

My first experience with dumpling making. Let's recount the things I did wrong in this video and in other attempts. 1) supposed to do the first fold from inside to out, 2) always start pinching from the edges first (though I did it right in the video, not later), 3) too much filling, 4) not enough filling, 5) no squeezing the filling out as you are pinching, 6) I had NO idea how to do the final squeeze and shape at the end, 7) no big huge ears allowed (though they come in handy for dipping later I tried to point out), and 8) dumpling must stand up when you set it down, even after watching Shi Fu, "The Master," next to me. It's a wonder the real Master, her mom, let me keep making little "ugly dimplings."

I point out, however, none of them opened up during boiling the next morning, not even mine. Still, as dumpling making is a microcosm of China: There is much to learn.

Now watch Shi Fu.